Evolution Is Beautiful

I thought these pictures were cool. Hope you enjoy them, too.

NO TEACHING JOB for me this Summer!!!

If anyone needed a reality check about the seriousness of the California budget crisis, this week’s cancellation of Summer Session II was it. While none of us can predict the final outcome of the budget resolution, we all need to do what we can to become warriors for Community Colleges, and advocates for our students.

I have lost my two Summer Session classes because all Summer classes across Los Angeles Community Colleges have been cancelled. Many of you have asked what will happen next. The District Budget Committee (DBC) will meet 3 times in June and the Board of Trustees will vote on more cuts at its June 24, 2009 meeting.

Some topics under consideration:

1. cut winter session
2. cut more classes in fall and spring
3. change health benefits to save costs
4. seek other cost savings measures throughout the district
5. continue the classified hiring freeze (already in place at Valley College)
6, make salary adjustments (all would need to be negotiated):
· impose a furlough (5-15 days)
· freeze salaries
· reduce salaries

These are the toughest times we have ever experienced, and there will be at least a full year of very hard decisions to make.

IF YOU STILL HAVE A TEACHING JOB, CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY!